New Birth Control and Religious Employer Rules Released Today
Carol Keough February 1, 2013Obama Administration (through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) releases proposed new rules on Friday, February 1, 2013, regarding what faces religous employers as they fight a battle at the United States Supreme Court regarding the requirements of providing free birth contral under the federal health care act. Certain religion based employers have been concerned about how the new federal health care act will affect and mandate them to provide birth control to employees that is contrary to their religious beliefs. This proposed set of rules appears to allow for a third party administrator to be the provider of the birth control or preventative measures without a cost to the religious employer.
As stated in the News Release from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Today, the administration is taking the next step in providing women across the nation with coverage of recommended preventive care at no cost, while respecting religious concerns,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “We will continue to work with faith-based organizations, women’s organizations, insurers and others to achieve these goals.”
Whether these proposed rules will satisfy the religious employers, only time will tell. For the detailed news release, see below:
News Release – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services